Processing Time for a Kenya Visa Application

The processing time for a visa for Kenya varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. For most nationalities, it takes 2 working days to get an e-Visa. However, it can take up to 14 working days for a visa to be processed if you apply in person or by post.

A Kenyan visa is an endorsement or stamp placed on an individual’s passport by Kenyan officials.

This is the very endorsement that indicates the individual is clear to visit the country. Kenyan visas are usually collected from Kenyan Consulates or Embassies.

The reason for the visit is defined as business, transitory or even as a tourist. Over 260 countries offer the vast types of Kenyan visas available that grant folks entrance passes to Kenya.

 Here are some general guidelines

1. E-Visa

Similar to a visa, a Kenya e-Visa is an officially awarded document granting a person entrance to Kenya. E-Visas come in as handy alternatives to the typical visas offered at consulates and entry ports.

The processing time for e-visas is usually relatively quick, often within 2-3 business days. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays.

The types of e-Visas available include:

• Transit

Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country, with few exceptions you must have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. You must also have a confirmed onward ticket and a visa for your next destination

• Single-Entry

It only allows a single visit to the destination country and then becomes invalid. You must be a holder of a Diplomatic, Official and Service passport. You must also hold an official letter from the Country of Origin/ Organisation/ Foreign Affairs. A round-trip ticket or a boarding pass for passengers in transit is also required

• Courtesy Visas To Kenya

This is a visa issued to Diplomatic, Official and Service passport holders coming into the country on official business or duties, and to Ordinary passport holders where it is considered by the Director General to be desirable on the grounds of international courtesy.

2. Visa on Arrival

Visa on Arrival is an option for certain nationalities to obtain a visa upon arrival at Kenya airports and land borders. The processing time for a visa on arrival is typically faster compared to other visa types. A visa on arrival lets you obtain your travel permit upon landing in a particular country. It is an easy process for travellers that saves them from the hassles of never-ending paperwork and standing in long queues.

3. Embassy/Consulate Application

 If you prefer to apply for a visa through the Kenyan embassy or consulate in your home country, the processing time can vary. It is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate for specific processing times, as it can range from a few days to a couple of weeks.

To ensure a smooth and timely visa application process, it is recommended to carefully review the visa requirements, gather all the necessary documents, and submit the application well in advance of your intended travel dates. It is also important to consider any potential delays during peak travel seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances, so planning ahead is advisable.